Biography

A dual international, Stuart joined Canberra in 1988 and helped the Raiders to premierships in 1989, 1990 and 1994 as a key member of one of the greatest club teams of the modern era.

He was also an influential player at representative level and produced one of the greatest moments in Test match history to help Australia snatch a 14-10 victory at Old Trafford to keep the 1990 Ashes series alive.

With the Kangaroos having lost the first Test, Stuart threw an intercept pass for Great Britain centre Paul O'Loughlin to score and level the scores but he made amends by setting up a long range try for captain and Raiders team-mate Mal Meninga in the dying moments of the match.

"From an individual point of view, the second Test at Old Trafford is something I will never ever forget because we kept the series alive but I also nearly lost the series with the intercept pass I threw," Stuart said.

"I went from nearly ruining history to keeping us alive so that was a big moment in my Australian career."

Stuart, who is now the Raiders coach, rated his three premierships with the club as career highlights, particularly the first in 1989, which is regarded as one of the greatest grand finals in history after Canberra won in extra time.

"I have been involved in the game for 31 years now at an NRL level and these types of days when you get these types of surprises you do look back and remember the great moments," Stuart said. "Mine were the 1989 grand final and obviously the other grand finals we won.

"The biggest thank you on my behalf is to all the guys I played with. There were some great names and a lot of those guys are already in the Hall of Fame. We had a very successful team and no doubt that helps you.

"Also, having a coach like Tim Sheens, the way he helped shape my game and the trust he had in me was a big part of achieving individual accolades. It's a wonderful recognition and something I am very humbled by and proud of."

"He had all the skills and an iron will to win. There were few players who had the ability to pass the ball so far across the field."